‘Oh! then, Murry Ann, I wanted to (puff) -- that you’d better get the (puff) breakfast ready early. I think Mr (gasp) -- Sponge will be (wheezing) away today.’

‘Yes, sir,’ replied Mary Ann.

All this was said in such a tone as could not fail to be heard all over the house; certainly into Mr Sponge’s room, which was midway between the speakers.

What prevented Mr Sponge wheezing away, will appear in the next chapter.